Full Spectrum Release 4 - Development Thread

[Miaplacidus]

As Release Three is now available for download, it's time to start development of Release Four (Full Spectrum Code Name Andromeda), due for release in late August/early September.

You can already begin submitting content. Visit www.fullspectrummagazine.com/contribute for details, or write to fred(at)fullspectrummagazine(dot)com.

As the new Moonlight style seems to have been well received, it will be kept, but refined for Andromeda.

If you have any suggestions, don't hesitate to contact me.

[Miaplacidus]

I'm experiencing a big problem, which is that FS' current page layout program (Scribus) is quite buggy and has major trouble dealing with the magazine's complex design (a typical Full Spectrum issue has hundreds of objects and dozens of links, plus transparency effects, which Scribus struggles with, etc.)

So I'd like to switch to Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress... but they're expensive ($550 for InDesign) :( so that's unlikely. I'll see what I can do, however, FS4 might not have substantial design improvements due to the layout program's limitations. FS3 already pushes the limit, I already had to find workarounds for some bugs and limitations.

[Paul_UK]

Can you create it as several smaller Scribus projects (say one or two articles each) and PDF files, then combine the PDF files into a single one using some other software?

[Miaplacidus]

Can you create it as several smaller Scribus projects (say one or two articles each) and PDF files, then combine the PDF files into a single one using some other software?

I could, but the "some other software" would likely be Acrobat Professional which is as expensive as InDesign. Plus, the problems which require workarounds most of the time don't have to do with the total number of pages or objects, but with limitations related to the handling of certain types of objects (most notably those with opacity < 100%).

The relative instability of Scribus is another problem; it tends to crash quite often throwing an "EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION" on Windows or a signal 11 on Linux, especially when I use the Undo action a few times.

Scribus has potential, but to be honest I'm not too comfortable with it. It certainly looks rough and behaves unstably when compared to well-tuned commercial solutions... however, as it's free it's basically the only choice I have.

[Paul_UK]

This open source project http://www.pdfsam.org/ splits and merges PDF files. I don't know how well it works though.

I have Adobe Acrobat Professional 7 (which was still expensive even though it's the result of upgrades through versions 3, 4 and 5) because I need it for some of the work I do. So I can help with creating a final PDF file from the parts if necessary.

[Miaplacidus]

ANNOUNCEMENT

The development of Full Spectrum Release 4 (Andromeda) has been stopped for an undefined length of time.

The Project will undergo a reorganization in the course of the following week. The project's Leader will try to keep you informed of its progress.

Thank you for your attention,

Frederick, aka Miaplacidus
Full Spectrum Project Leader

[pwnorton]

I'm studying graphic design, and I have InDesign, so if there's anyway in which I could help, please let me know

[Miaplacidus]

Development continues.

[Steam Giant]

Awesome!!

Is there going to be a submission deadline date like before? I know it didn't really end up mattering too much, but I personally work better when I have to have something done by a certain date.

[Alexander]

Fred - I have the complete CS3 at my fingertips cause my dad uses it for his job. So if you need me to make you PDFs or merge them or whatever... I can.

[Miaplacidus]

Awesome!!

Is there going to be a submission deadline date like before? I know it didn't really end up mattering too much, but I personally work better when I have to have something done by a certain date.

Let's say mid-August... 15th or so.

[biisme]

that's my birthday!!!!!!

just saying...

[Level N Human]

Man I wish I could help, I've also got indesign, but I've got no idea how to use it at all.

And I'm studying in graphic design... :(

[Steam Giant]

Awesome!!

Is there going to be a submission deadline date like before? I know it didn't really end up mattering too much, but I personally work better when I have to have something done by a certain date.

Let's say mid-August... 15th or so.

Well, the 15th is quickly approaching ^^ of course, I'm sure Fred's fine with people submitting after this date, but for those like me who work better with a deadline, the thought of having a few days left may be a significant enough motivational factor to get those drafts revised, proofed and sent! I just sent my first submission in, and am hoping to beat the deadline with my second ^^ who's with me?

[Miaplacidus]

Please people, I'd like to complete it for mid-September, help meeeeeeee submit stuff...

[Alexander]

I'm working on an article on feminist theory right this second.

[-Michael-]

Has the submission dead line passed?


I mean its past the 15th...

[Miaplacidus]

Has the submission dead line passed?


I mean its past the 15th...


No. That was a tentative date, but considering that the interview with Collette has been scheduled for the 23rd and the photo coverage for the 24th, I guess I can wait until the first week of September or so. You all know that I always make exceptions, but remember that each exception means that both Kat (as primary editor) and I (as designer and final editor) have to work more hurriedly, OK?

I'd be thankful if people sent their contributions as soon as possible, because I'll have a lot of work to do for this issue (I want to release in Spanish as well).

[-Michael-]

both Kat (as primary editor) and I (as designer and final editor) have to work more hurriedly, OK?



We love you more under pressure :) aha

[Steam Giant]

Just a reminder, prospective FS contributers ^^

Has the submission dead line passed?

No. That was a tentative date, but considering that the interview with Collette has been scheduled for the 23rd and the photo coverage for the 24th, I guess I can wait until the first week of September or so. You all know that I always make exceptions, but remember that each exception means that both Kat (as primary editor) and I (as designer and final editor) have to work more hurriedly, OK?

I'd be thankful if people sent their contributions as soon as possible, because I'll have a lot of work to do for this issue (I want to release in Spanish as well).

That being said, if you intend on contributing to FSM4, it'd be a good idea to finish things up over the next few days and get those articles submitted ^^ the more the merrier, and the sooner the better! It's going to be a great release this September ^^ I know I'm really looking forward to reading those interviews! They're sure to be a great draw for new readers of the mag, so if you want others to read your works, now's a great time to hop on board!

[Miaplacidus]

hmmm, people... I still have only the two interviews... :(

[Kat22]

Hey guys! I haven't been on EC for about 2 weeks (I was on vacation) and am just catchin up on everything. I see that Fred has not gotten a lot of articles for FS4! I love reading all your guys' stuff, and everyone who I have edited up and to this point is amazing. I know there are a ton of great writers out there, so send Fred your stuff!!! Editing your articles is much more entertaining than my chemistry homework!!!

[TeeJers]

I will try to send something in soon. My parents are being really iffy about me being on EC. But, I will try to get you guys something soon!

I love FS!

[Urman]

im sorry i didn't contribute to fs i just been super busy with college:(